In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with a discussion about the vote on Thursday by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to repeal rules that ensure a fair and open internet, also called “net neutrality.” Next, we’ll talk about the Norwegian Parliament’s decision to decriminalize all drug use. Then, we’ll have a conversation about the discovery of a solar system that is more than 2,500 light years away. The discovery was made by NASA scientists using artificial intelligencedeveloped by Google. And finally, we’ll talk about a new item added to UNESCO’s “intangible heritage” list -- the Neapolitan technique of pizza twirling.

Joshua:

Jessica, the repeal of net neutrality is a very serious thing. I would say it’s terrible for many internet users and internet companies.

Jessica:

I agree.

Joshua:

So, let’s choose this story as the Featured Topic for our Speaking Studio this week.

Jessica:

Very good, Joshua. But now let’s continue with the announcement. The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Superlatives. And we’ll conclude our program with another English expression: “To get out of hand.”

Today is Thursday, December 14, 2017. You’re listening to News in Slow English! A warm welcome to all our listeners. Hi, Chris!

Chris:

Hi, Jessica! Hello, everyone! I don’t want to sound too commercial, but I would still like to remind everyone that gift subscriptions to News in Slow English make great gifts for holidays, birthdays, and other events!

Jessica:

Ok, thank you, Chris. Now, let’s get to the headlines. In the first part of our program, we’re going to discusscurrent events. We will begin with a discussion about the result of the Alabama Senate elections that were held on Tuesday. Next, we’ll talk about the decision announced by the French government on Sunday to ban the use of mobile phones in school for students under the age of 15. Then, we’ll have a conversation about bitcoins, which are traded on some of the stock markets. And finally, we’ll remember a French pop singer, Johnny Hallyday, who died last week at the age of 74.

Chris:

Thank you, Jessica. What will we choose as our Featured Topic for this week’s Speaking Studio?

Jessica:

The ban on mobile phone use in schools?

Chris:

Yes, good choice!

Jessica:

OK, let’s continue. As always, the second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll highlight the use of today’s topic: Order of Adjectives. And we’ll wrap up our program with another English expression: “To put your heart and soul into (something).”

Today is Thursday, December 7, 2017. Welcome to another weekly edition of News in Slow English! Hello, everyone. I’m Jessica.

Chris:

And I’m Chris.

Jessica:

For the first half of our program, we’re going to look at what’s happening around the world this week. We will begin with President Donald Trump’s announcement to formally recognize the city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Next, we’ll comment on Time Magazine’s choice of 2017 Person of the Year. Following that, we’ll talk about the world’s largest battery installed in Australia that could ease power shortages. And finally, and on a lighter note, we’ll talk about the ugliest Christmas tree that set a new trend in Montreal that celebrates imperfections.

Chris:

You know, Jessica, the choice of Time’s Person of the Year has been on my mind all week. Time even published the finalist list.

Jessica:

What did you think of Time’sselection?

Chris:

It was the right choice!

Jessica:

So let’s choose this story as our Speaking Studio Featured Topic for this week. But for now, let’s finish up our introduction. As always, the second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Participle Adjectives. And we’ll close this week’s program with a new English expression: “A drop in the bucket.”

Today is Thursday, November 30, 2017. You’re listening to News in Slow English! A warm welcome to all our listeners. Hi, Chris!

Chris:

Hi, Jessica! Hello to all our listeners!

Jessica:

Just a reminder to everyone that you can give our English, French, Spanish, Italian, or German program as a gift to someone.

Chris:

It can sure make your Christmas shopping easier!

Jessica:

Ok, let’s get to the headlines. In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with Pope Francis's speech in Myanmar that met with criticismfrom various human rights groups. Next, we’ll talk about the engagement of Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle. Then, we’ll have a conversation about a prediction that 2018 will be a year of higher earthquake activitydue to a slight deceleration in the Earth’s rotation. And finally, we’ll talk about a man who plans to launch himself in a homemade rocket to prove that the Earth is flat.

Chris:

Did I hear that right? A man plans to launch himself in a homemade rocket to prove that the Earth is flat?

Jessica:

Yes, you heard right!

Chris:

In this case, we have to select this story as the Featured Topic for our Speaking Studio sessions this week!

Jessica:

I thought you’d say that! OK, let’s have this story as Featured Topic. But now, let’s continue. The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll demonstrate the use of today’s topic: Possessive Pronouns. And we’ll end this week’s program with a brand new English expression: “To make a long story short.”

Easy for those who know how to give a useful, elegant, intellectual, and memorable gift!

Jessica:

Useful, elegant, intellectual, and memorable? What is it?

Chris:

A gift subscription to News in Slow English!

Jessica:

Well, I agree that it is elegant, intellectual, and memorable. But why is it useful? Why do English speakers need it?

Chris:

I mean for my friends who are learning English. For others, I’ll give gift subscriptions to News in Slow Spanish, or French, or Italian, or German.

Jessica:

Very clever! OK, now that we’re finished with our elegant promotional chat, let’s proceed with the program announcement. As always, we’re going to start the program with a discussion of current events. We will begin with President Trump’s reversal on his own decision to allow the importation of elephant “trophies.” Next, we’ll talk about two E.U. agencies leaving the UK following Brexit. Then, we’ll have a conversation about a Leonardo da Vinci painting that was sold last week for $450 million. And finally, we’ll talk about an event that shocked many soccer fans – the Italian national soccer team has lost its chance to play in next year’s World Cup.

Chris:

Thank you, Jessica! I suggestselecting the ban on imports of elephant “trophies” as our Featured Topic for this week’s Speaking Studio.

Jessica:

Agreed! The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Personal Pronouns. And we’ll conclude our program with another English expression: “To rain on someone’s parade.”

It’s Thursday, November 16, 2017. Welcome to another episode of our weekly program, News in Slow English! Greetings to all our listeners! I’m in the studio with my friend, Chris. Hi, Chris.

Chris:

Hello, everyone! Hi, Jessica.

Jessica:

In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with the new European joint defense pact - PESCO. Next, we’ll talk about a new poll in Australia that shows overwhelming support forgay marriage. Then, we’ll have a conversation about the “Me Too” movement in which more than 1.7 million people in 85 countries have shared their experiences of sexual assault, abuse, or harassment. And finally, we’ll talk about a new video campaign in Poland to promote higher birthrates.

Chris:

Excellent! All of these topics are very interesting! But we need to choose just one for Speaking Studio this week.

Jessica:

Hmm… it’s not an easy choice!

Chris:

I propose the “Me Too” story. I’m sure our audience will have thoughts to share on this topic.

Jessica:

Good idea. You don’t need to have experienced an assault or harassment in order to participate in this conversation.

Chris:

And as always, our Speaking Studioparticipants can choose any story from the program to discuss. The Featured Topic is just a suggestion.

Jessica:

OK, let’s continue. The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Pronouns. And we’ll conclude our program with another English expression: “To blaze a trail / To be a trailblazer.”